Geology concerns with the scientific study of the Earth's structure, processes, material and history. Geologists apply knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics to solve Earth problems. The Geology Major aims to give students a sound foundation of the geological sciences and enable them to pursue postgraduate studies or careers in the geosciences. The curriculum emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills, and practical experience in the field. The core courses are designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of the geological disciplines including petrology, paleontology, geophysics, geochemistry, geochronology and the applications of geological knowledge to resource development, natural hazard management, and geotechnical and environmental engineering. Students who wish to become a professional geologist may take additional designated courses designed to meet the pathway for accreditation as a chartered geologist.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this programme, students should be able to:

have acquired the ability to make observation, description, measurement and analysis of common geological features in the field, conduct geological mapping as well as undertake independent geological study, and appraise the related ethical issues
(by means of both local and overseas residential field learning experience)

have gained some insight to the real-life industrial environment and developed connections within the geosciences profession
(by means of internship opportunities in the curriculum)

PLO 5 :

work with others in an effective manner and have learned to accept and appreciate different cultures
(by means of group project learning, field learning experience in the curriculum)

Impermissible Combination:

Minor in Earth Sciences

Required courses (96 credits)

1. Introductory level courses (42 credits)

Disciplinary Core Courses: Science Foundation Courses (12 credits)

SCNC1111

Scientific method and reasoning (6)

SCNC1112

Fundamentals of modern science (6)

Disciplinary Core Courses (30 credits)

EASC1402

Principles of geology (6)

EASC2401

Fluid/solid interactions in earth processes (6)

EASC2402

Field and laboratory methods (6)

EASC2406

Geochemistry (6)

EASC2407

Mineralogy (6)

2. Advanced level courses (48 credits)

Disciplinary Core Courses (36 credits)

EASC3402

Petrology (6)

EASC3403

Sedimentary environments (6)

EASC3404

Structural geology (6)

EASC3408

Geophysics (6)

EASC3409

Igneous and metamorphic petrogenesis (6)

EASC4406

Earth dynamics & global tectonics (6)

Disciplinary Electives (12 credits)

At least 12 credits selected from the following courses:

EASC3406

Reconstruction of past climate (6)

EASC3410

Hydrogeology (6)

EASC3412

Earth resources (6)

EASC3413

Engineering geology (6)

EASC3414

Soil and rock mechanics (6)

EASC3416

Advanced geochemistry and geochronology (6)

EASC3417

Earth through time (6)

EASC3999

Directed studies in earth sciences (6)

ENVS3007

Natural hazards and mitigation (6)

EASC4403

Biogeochemical cycles (6)

EASC4407

Regional geology (6)

EASC4408

Special topics in earth sciences (6)

EASC4999

Earth sciences project (12)

3. Capstone requirement (6 credits)

EASC4955

Integrated field studies (6)

Notes:

1. Double-counting of courses up to a maximum of 24 credits is permissible when a student with a science major opts to undertake a second major in science. The double-counted courses must include SCNC1111 Scientific method and reasoning (6 credits) and SCNC1112 Fundamentals of modern science (6 credits). Additional credits to be double-counted must be for courses required ('disciplinary core') by both majors. For cases with 24 or less double-counted credits, the student must make up an equivalent number of credits by taking other courses offered by any Faculty.

2. If more than 24 credits (including SCNC1111 & SCNC1112) are listed as required courses ("disciplinary core") in both the first and second majors undertaken by a student, the student must make up the number of credits above the 24 permissible by taking replacement course(s) (disciplinary electives) in the second major. Double counting of credits is not permissible for major-minor or double-minors combinations. For details, please refer to "Students taking double Majors, Major-Minor or double Minors with overlapping course requirements" in the BSc syllabuses.

3. Students are not required to take Capstone if this Science major is taken as a second major on the condition that the capstone experience in the first major requires the integration or application of knowledge from both major disciplines. If this is approved, a 6-credit advanced level course (disciplinary electives) in the second major must be taken to fulfill the credit requirement of the capstone experience.

4. Capstone requirement for BEd&BSc degree students is different. Students are required to take an additional 6-credit advanced level course (disciplinary electives) in the major to replace the capstone requirement of this Major. Students should consult the Faculty of Education for details.

Remarks:

Important! Ultimate responsibility rests with students to ensure that the required pre-requisites and co-requisite of selected courses are fulfilled. Students must take and pass all required courses in the
selected primary science major
in order to satisfy the degree graduation requirements.